Which came first, ethics and morality, or religion?

Question

Is religion necessary for an ethical and moral society? Has it worked so far?

Answer 1

Ethics and morality came first, because religion has not always existed. However, the human conscience has. The reason I say this is...since the beginning of time mothers have sheltered there children danger thus teaching them bad behaviors and good behaviors, which automatically instills the mind with a sense of right and wrong. Therefore, one would conclude that religion is not necessary for an ethical and moral society...but has what worked?

Answer 2

If I had to order the three, I would say morality, religion, ethics.

I don't believe that religion is necesary for good ethics and morals. Religion, GOOD religion, gives people a framework from which to build their moral and ethical base in the context of a belief system.

Answer 3

No, religion is unnecessary for a moral and ethical society. Morality came first; religion does not create morality.

Answer 4

Religion came first came first. Probably in the form of somthing like: 'Don't kill me, because there was a scary voice that said, 'if you kill me you too will be killed but in a worse manner'

and yes, until we take on the star-trekian philosophies of how to live. We need religion, because want these fools to fear something so they don't go around making trouble. As for me, religion is not necessary - i'll be nice to others.